To the Editor:

This September the Central Problem Gambling Resource Center (Central PGRC) , a program of the New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG), celebrates Recovery Month. We believe that recovery benefits everyone — every person, every family and every community.

There are many pathways to recovery and not everyone’s journey is the same. We recognize those unique pathways, and we strive to help every individual find their own path to recovery from problem gambling.

Sadly, only about 10% of people with a gambling disorder reach out for help. We want people to know that recovery is possible and there are many pathways to get there.

Someone’s path to recovery can start from a simple screening. Screening can help reveal if someone is struggling with their own gambling or if someone is being affected by a loved one’s gambling. We encourage anyone who works with people to consider asking these three simple questions:

• During the past 12 months, have you become restless, irritable or anxious when trying to stop or cut down on gambling?
• During the past 12 months, have you tried to keep your family or friends from knowing how much you gambled?
• During the past 12 months, did you have such financial trouble as a result of your gambling that you had to get help with living expenses from family, friends or welfare?

Asking these simple questions can save lives. During Recovery Month, we are encouraging everyone who works directly with individuals and families to screen for problem gambling. The New York Council on Problem Gambling (NYCPG) has created a toolkit, available on our website, for any providers who would like to implement problem gambling screening into their practice. If you have questions or plans to start using a problem gambling screening tool, let us know how we can help you. Also available is a self-screening tool that anyone can use: https://nyproblemgamblinghelp.org/e-screener/.

For more information about Recovery Month and Problem Gambling, visit https://nyproblemgambling.org/resources/recovery-month/

If you or someone you care about is looking for support and services to help you begin your pathway to recovery from problem gambling, reach out to the Central PGRC by calling (315) 413-4676 or emailing [email protected]. We have a barrier free approach to getting you and your loved ones the help they need and deserve. Calls are confidential. We are here to help.

Elizabeth Toomey

Central Team Leader

New York Council on Problem Gambling

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